Contemplative Outreach of Wichita
Silence, Solitude, Solidarity, Service

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

The intent of Contemplative Outreach is to foster the process of transformation in Christ in one another through the practice of Centering Prayer.

The members of Contemplative Outreach of Greater Wichita, Kansas seek the living tradition of the contemplative Christian heritage through the teachings of Fr. Thomas Keating and others. We offer and recommend prayer groups, retreats and events that support the contemplative life in the midst of ordinary life.

Contemplative Tradition
Centering Prayer is based on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matt: 6:6): "...But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you."   

It is also inspired by writings of major contributors to the Christian contemplative heritage including the Desert Fathers and Mothers, John Cassian, Francis de Sales, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Therese of Lisieux and Thomas Merton.   

The method is taken from the 14th Century book, The Cloud of Unknowing, written by an anonymous Carthusian monk.



Events, Retreats, Workshops

Contemplative Life through the Eyes of Thomas Merton
Saturday, July 30, 2016 -- Spiritual Life Center, Wichita, KS

Study Merton's writings on prayer, liturgy, civil rights and more as a way to integrate more contemplation into your own life.

Looking at the contemplative life through the eyes of Father Louis, aka, Thomas Merton, is to look at Merton’s writings on prayer, monastic life, liturgy, or his writings on civil rights, peace and war, or ancient cultures. In all of this, Merton was expressing the nature of contemplation. For Merton, contemplation was not simply one aspect of life but was the fundamental reality in life. It was what made life real and alive. It was what makes us to be truly human. Our one day workshop, facilitate by Father Ken VanHaverbeke, will reflect upon Thomas Merton’s writings, life, and application of some of his thoughts in our everyday life of how our lives can be more contemplative.

Registration is $20. Contact the Spiritual Life Center online, or by phone at 316-744-0167.

Centering Prayer Retreat at St. Benedict's Monastery Retreat Center, Snowmass, CO, September 27--October 3, 2016

Give yourself the gift of a silent retreat in the mountains of Colorado as the fall colors begin their dazzling show. This retreat will be anchored in Communal Prayer and Silence. There will be teachings (DVDs/CDs) by spiritual teachers, e.g., Keating, Rohr, Bourgeault, and others. For those in 12-step programs this retreat will present an opportunity to become more steeped in centering prayer as an 11th-step practice.

For a brochure on the retreat, Click here. For reservations, contact Nick Cole by email, or phone 970-275-1170. For info. from a Wichita contact, email Sharon Gash.


Resources: Learn the Prayer of Silence



Where to Pray
  • Mondays, 9:30-11:00 am: Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina, optional sharing and inspirational video at the Spiritual Life Center, 7100 E 45th St N, Bel Aire, KS. Contact the Center here, 316-744-0167, or contact Mary Seitz: 316-253-8296.

  • Mondays, 12:00-1:00 pm: 20 minutes of Centering Prayer, enrichment and optional sharing time. Meets in the Agape Center in the Richert House at Bethel College, 300 27th St., North Newton. Agape is located on the south edge of the campus between Bethel College Mennonite Church and the Fine Arts Center. Contact Nathan Koontz, 620-662-9385.

  • Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 pm: Centering Prayer, with two sits and a meditative walk in between, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 123 N. Andover Rd., Andover, KS. Meets in the Catacombs (basement stairs by main entrance). Contact Sharon Gash: 316-214-1971.

  • 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8:00 pm: Centering Prayer, sharing, and enrichment with a DVD by Fr. William Meninger or Fr. Thomas Keating, both from St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, CO. At The Wichita Center (Adorers of the Blood of Christ Convent), 1165 SW Blvd., Wichita. Contact Shirley Bessette: 316-806-4068.


Links








Contemplative Outreach Wichita


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